C.J. Braden • 4 Minute Read
4 Ways To Save Money On Your Home Renovation
Sometimes home renovation is unavoidable, and many Americans think of improving their homes from time to time. However, renovation costs can be high, and according to Forbes, inflation doesn’t help, due to an increase in material and labor shortages, among others. If you have considered your options and decided to renovate your property, here are four ways to save money on your project.
1- Know Your Limits
A skilled craftsman can make custom cabinets for your pantry
Many home renovation shows on TV can inspire you to embrace the challenge of remodeling your space. Autonomy, DIY enthusiasts frequently save money by doing it themselves. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after completing a project can be rewarding. But remember that a project might become a disaster if you don't know what you're doing.
Wood backing on a kitchen island is a great DIY
Assessing your resources and capabilities to determine what you can handle and what should be left to the professionals is critical. For instance, adding a new kitchen backsplash, repainting your front door and cabinets, and replacing some bathroom hardware are a few tasks you can DIY. But others, like the roofing replacement, are best left to experienced roofers.
Considering a DIY tile backsplash? We created a quick tutorial that can help you learn how to do it in a weekend! See the video below or via my YouTube channel “Carolyn Braden”.
2- Donate Your Trash
An old clawfoot tub can make for a beautiful bathroom
Some experts say that many house parts are recyclable. So before starting any renovation project, you can allow the local Habitat to collect items and fixtures for later resale. They can also offer a wide range of support, from complete teardown or cherry-picking to removing the sink, cabinetry, tub, and so on. This way, you won't only conserve landfill space but receive charitable tax for your contribution while supporting a good cause. You can visit Habitat to discover a local affiliate near you.
3- Reach Out To An Architect
A professional bathroom design can be less expensive than you think
Depending on the complexity of your project, you may not require a full-fledged architectural commission. Therefore, there won’t be long discussions, several site visits, and multiple sets of construction drawings, which could cost around 8% of the project's budget. However, you can harness an architect's design expertise by hiring them for a one-time design consultation.
For instance, the architect could meet you, survey the problems, and suggest a few sketches. You can take the drawing to a drafting service or builder for a formal construction drawing. While an architect may charge around $2200 to design a 200-square-foot home office, it would cost you around $500 for a design-only consultation, saving you around $1500.
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too: How To Create a Coastal Entryway
4- Prioritize Efficiency Over Size
Kitchen drawers and open shelving can help add space
Knocking down walls to maximize space won't be necessary if you structure and furnish your kitchen for optimal use. You can replace space-hogging cabinets with 8-inch-wide pullout drawers of cabinet height featuring racks for groceries and canned foods. This way, you can get at least three horizontal shelves instead of just one cabinet. You may have to spend a few thousand to outfit your cabinet with features and enhancements like dividers, pot trays, etc. However, you can save significant costs by ignoring any extras that aren't necessary.
Improving your home is all fun and exciting until you consider the cost involved. Even the smallest expenses can add up quickly, so consider the tips above to save cash on your remodel project.
C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.